WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown

“People really have it in their heart and mind to eat and live healthy, but everybody needs help; that’s why I became a dietitian. I want to help everybody become healthy, because it’s a lot of work.” I asked Aries Ford why is it so hard to stay away from unhealthy foods. “A big reason is that when we socialize, we eat, and people don’t cook at home like they should, so if you’re doing these things, it’s going to be a big hurdle to get over to be healthy.”

I asked what are some of the additives in the unhealthy foods that has us addicted. “GMO’s, so get non-GMO if you can.” A GMO is an organism whose genome has been altered by the techniques of genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found there.  A high percentage of food crops, such as corn and soybeans, are genetically modified. Ford went on to say that MSG makes our food taste very good, and makes us want more helpings, but we’re not really hungry. “You will find most of those additives in fast food, which is why we gain so much weight. But when you cook at home, that’s the key to remaining healthy.”

We also talked about juicing. She said, “Make sure you check with your doctor before juicing because of the different types of health issues. Say for instance your doctor wants you to be on a fluid restriction because of your sodium levels.  Not only juicing, but any kind of exercise program, to do it the safe way, it’s best to have a dietitian as well, to make sure whatever you’re doing is the right route for you.” Ford said if you have diabetes or is borderline diabetic and you’re going to juice, just do vegetables. You don’t want to do a lot of the fruits, because of the sugar. You can add carrots to give it that sweeter taste. “That’s the healthier way to juice for diabetics.”

We talked about if going vegan was a good idea; “It is healthier especially if you have high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular decease, because you’re going to reduce the cholesterol that you’re eating. What a lot of people don’t realize is that cholesterol comes from animal products, so with going vegan, you have a lot more energy, because you cut out the fried meats, and you’ll feel so much better.”   Ford went on to say it’s eating cleaner; your body is refreshed, and you’re motivated to eat more vegetables, because meat eaters don’t eat vegetables like they should.

Dietitian Aries Ford asked if I eat a lot of meat, I replied yes and why did she ask. “Because a lot of us don’t know the correct portion, which is about 3 ounces, which is about the size of the palm of your hand.” I looked down at the palm of my hand, and I joked with her how small it is and how my hamburgers are twice that size, she gave me a slight smile, and said, “The body doesn’t need that much meat, and it’s full of cholesterol. If you eat meat, make sure it’s boiled or baked, but never fried.”

Ford said meat is OKat the right portion, but beef should only be one serving, once a month, “because of the high cholesterol.” “As for pork, my personal opinion is to avoid it.”

“If you want to start off 2018 with the perfect exercise and healthy eating program, make an appointment with your doctor and consult with a dietitian as well,” Aries said.  You can see more of my interview on our YouTube channel @Winstonsalem Chronicle.

Aries Ford is a dietitian in Winston Salem. She holds a degree in clinical nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Aries is very active in her field but most importantly embraces her role as an author, motivational speaker specializing in nutrition conferences, workshops and Kingdom women’s conferences, providing appropriate interventions for optimal health and nutrition.

Aries was honored to present at the Stroke Symposium in Winston Salem and has made numerous television appearances. Aries also enjoys engaging in nutrition blogging for magazines. “I have such a compassion for my clients and want to provide the best possible care that I can as a dietitian. My plan is to make a dramatic difference in the lives of clients as well as their families. My goal is to share nutritional strategies in preventing and treating health related illnesses. Promoting health is certainly my passion!” 

For more information or to book Ford for an event call (716) 512-5548 or visit Ariesford.org.